Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2.0 ASPH Lens

A True Milestone in Photographic Lens Development

May 10, 2012
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2.0 ASPH Lens represents a true milestone in photographic lens development. You need look no further than the MTF chart to understand what makes this piece of equipment so significant: At an aperture of f/5.6, the lines for both tangential and sagittal structures are absolutely flat--meaning the lens has no image degradation whatsoever. The graphs for f/2.0 and f/2.8 are highly impressive, as well. This is an achievement previously believed by many to be impossible in the field of optics.

Even the finest of details are resolved with greater than 50% contrast across the entirety of the image field. Vignetting is restricted to a mere 2 stops at full aperture in 35mm format, equivalent to about 1 on Leica's M8 models, and stopping down to f/2.8 visibly minimizes this light deterioration towards the image's edges, with virtually none but the natural vignetting remaining. At a maximum of 0.4% (pin cushion), distortion is so low, it's practically imperceptible.

Eight lens elements combine to realize this exceptional performance. Every image you capture with this APO-Summicron-M lens--in any photographic situation--will demonstrate extreme sharpness and resolution throughout, providing you all the validation you need to know that you've made a superior choice. Plus, the lens' apochromatic correction reduces chromatic aberration on sharp edges to deliver the most natural rendition of each detail. The result? You enjoy the best possible reproduction results at any and all print sizes.

To enable such apochromatic correction, which produces a common focusing plane for 3 light wavelengths, 3 of the 8 lens elements are constructed of glass with high anomalous partial color dispersion, while 2 of the remaining 5 feature a high refractive index. In the rear group, the first lens' aspherical surface works to minimize spherical aberration and flatten the image field. Optical construction is Gaussian type, while the arrangement of lens elements resembles that of the Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 mm ASPH. This group, located behind the diaphragm, comprises the floating element that moves independently of the others in focusing, altering position relative to the front group, to ensure that the lens delivers incredible image quality throughout its focus range--even at the closer focusing distances.

To realize the stunning apochromatic correction, it was necessary to utilize specially-formulated glasses based upon original creations of the former Leitz glass lab. Leica understands that the process of working with these glasses is truly a fine art, which is why they have been integrated so expertly into this Summicron lens.

The lens' design is based on that of its predecessor, with the 50mm focal length and maximum f/2.0 aperture serving as the foundation for the rest of the development. With a compact body only slightly longer and heavier than the Summicron-M 1:2/50mm, and with an almost identical diameter, this lens delivers noticeably superior image quality. In the 30 years since the launch of the 1:2/50mm, Leica has accomplished a lot--but this is certainly one of their crowning achievements.

This groundbreaking lens is the culmination of 150 years of hard work. The APO-Summicron-M 50mm owes its unparalleled performance to the perfect interaction of all design and construction elements--from optical calculation to selection of materials to highly sophisticated and elaborate manufacturing and finishing.

Constructed completely by hand in Germany, and composed of only the best materials, the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2.0 ASPH Lens is a testament to the amazing achievements that are possible when advanced technology, vast knowledge, and meticulous, expert craftsmanship collide.

Image Degradation: Going, Going--Gone A glance at the MTF chart illuminates what makes this lens so significant: While the graphs for f/2.0 and f/2.8 apertures are highly impressive, at an aperture of f/5.6, the lines for both tangential and sagittal structures are absolutely flat--meaning the lens has no image degradation whatsoever

High Contrast Even the finest of details are resolved with greater than 50% contrast across the entirety of the image field

Minimal Vignetting Vignetting is restricted to a mere 2 stops at full aperture in 35mm format, equivalent to about 1 on Leica's M8 models, and stopping down to f/2.8 visibly minimizes this light deterioration towards the image's edges, with virtually none but the natural vignetting remaining

Low Distortion At a maximum of 0.4% (pin cushion), distortion is so low, it's practically imperceptible

Apochromatic Correction Lens' apochromatic correction reduces chromatic aberration on sharp edges to deliver the most natural rendition of each detail. The result? You enjoy the best possible reproduction results at any and all print sizes

Special Glass Construction To enable such apochromatic correction, which produces a common focusing plane for 3 light wavelengths, 3 of the 8 lens elements are constructed of glass with high anomalous partial color dispersion, while 2 of the remaining 5 feature a high refractive index. Specially-formulated glasses based upon original creations of the former Leitz glass lab have been integrated expertly into this lens

Unparalleled Image Quality Throughout The Focus Range In the rear group, the first lens' aspherical surface works to minimize spherical aberration and flatten the image field. Optical construction is Gaussian type, while the arrangement of lens elements resembles that of the Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 mm ASPH. This group, located behind the diaphragm, comprises the floating element that moves independently of the others in focusing, ensuring that the lens delivers incredible image quality throughout its focus range--even at the closer focusing distances

Trumps The Summicron-M 1:2/50mm With a compact body only slightly longer and heavier than the Summicron-M 1:2/50mm, and with an almost identical diameter, this lens delivers noticeably superior image quality

How It's Done This groundbreaking lens is the culmination of 150 years of hard work on the part of Leica. APO-Summicron-M 50mm owes its unparalleled performance to the perfect interaction of all design and construction elements--from optical calculation to selection of materials to highly sophisticated and elaborate manufacturing and finishing. Constructed completely by hand in Germany

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Specifications

Lens type

Prime lens

Max Format size

35mm FF

Focal length

50 mm

Image stabilization

No

Lens mount

Leica M

Aperture

Maximum aperture

F2.0

Minimum aperture

F16.0

Aperture ring

Yes

Number of diaphragm blades

11

Aperture notes

Preset, with click-stops, half values available

Optics

Elements

8

Groups

5

Focus

Minimum focus

0.70 m (27.56")

Maximum magnification

0.088 x

Autofocus

No

Full time manual

Unknown

Focus notes

floating focus system

Distance scale

Yes

DoF scale

Yes

Physical

Weight

300 g (0.66
lb)

Diameter

53 mm (2.09")

Length

47 mm (1.85")

Materials

metal barrel, metal mount

Sealing

No

Filter thread

39 mm

Filter notes

Inner-threaded for screw-in filters

Hood supplied

Yes

Tripod collar

No

Other

Notes

Built-in extending hood

Accessories

Images

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